Risperidone? | Imamother

amother ↓

Sat, Oct 27 2012, 7:27 pm

5yo DS has been through the ringer. Behavioral problems including aggression and impulsivity that have gotten him kicked out of schools. He's had OT, ST, PT, he's seen psychologists, neurologist, he's had all kinds of assessments done that basically told me he's NOT autistic, not ADHD, he has no learning disabilities, and is of high-average intelligence (gifted in one or two areas, high average in the rest).

He's even seen a psychiatrist who although could not diagnose him, concluded after speaking to us at length, speaking to him, his teachers and therapists that his behavior is probably biologically based (meaning due to a chemical imbalance) and decided he needs to be on medication. (I don't disagree)

She suggested 0.5mg Risperidone. This kind of scares me but I guess it's because it's given to schizophrenia patients but at a MUCH higher dosage (15-16mg) Other than that I don't know much about it. Any experience??

↑ amother ↓

Sat, Oct 27 2012, 7:54 pm

It certainly is scary when you realize what these heavy-duty drugs are used for. Our DD was on it and wasn't helped...behavior much the way you describe but frequent rages that were obviously disruptive to the rest of the family. She is on something else now (don't recall the name) that is helping more. I would say give it a try since your DS's symptoms are severe enough to interfere with school and all. Let us know Hug

whimsy ↓

Sun, Oct 28 2012, 8:06 pm

While medication may have a place for some children this specific med sounds a little off the beaten path. Perhaps get a second opinion before starting something so strong? perhaps an anti-anxiety/ anti- depressant? can be tried first?

Sorry you are going through such a hard time. : (

↑ amother ↓

Mon, Oct 29 2012, 1:47 am

I have 2 children that have been on this med for over 3 years now with positive results. Often, strong meds usually prescribed for certain disorders are used to treat other issues when given in smaller doses. Make sure you use a top psychiatrist.

Isramom8

Mon, Oct 29 2012, 5:29 am

At that dosage, I'd try it and see if it helps. A child I know was prescibed it but refused to take it. At 5, at least your child won't refuse and you can see its effects - good info for later in the child's life.

↑ amother ↓

Mon, Oct 29 2012, 6:04 pm

OP here,
thanks for the answers

whimsy wrote:

This IS the second opinion. The first opinion put him on Blood Pressure medicine that sedated him and dealt with the symptoms, but didn't deal with the underlying cause.. Also, the psychiatrist basically saw us for 20 minutes, and then handed us a prescription and a bill. At least this psychiatrist took the time to talk to everyone in his life to get the whole picture before she prescribed. Although I was hoping to hear a diagnosis, I now understand his case is not so clear cut and I am glad she is more cautious to label him.

whimsy wrote:

can I ask what area you are in?

South Florida

So the meds seem to be working, but I think the dosage needs to be increased. He still needs to be redirected, but at least he is more open to it. We'll see how it goes...

Yocheved84

Mon, Oct 29 2012, 7:03 pm

amother wrote:

These types of medications are used, in smaller amounts, in those with anxiety, agression, sometimes attention issues, etc. Weight gain is sometimes possible on this class of meds, FYI, but this sounds like such a tiny dose. Please make sure you have a competent GP and neurologist/psychiatrist in coordinating care.

↑ amother

Mon, Oct 29 2012, 7:51 pm

my son is on .75 mg and is nearly identical to all the things u wrote including the non adhd not autistic but yes gifted diagnosis and had all the assessments and saw all the specialists you mentioned (I even checked if this was maybe an old post I had written and forgot about that is how similar it is to my child!) so my child is on the resperidone I dont know if its helping, he is on a couple meds so I cant say which is working for him we are still playing around with it. I hope you find the perfect meds for him its a lot of trial and error. either from not working or having side effects that are not practical like tics, weight loss, drowsiness, etc. I wish you all the luck and patience and siyata dishmaya in raising your child.